The Pinal County Attorney’s Office is launching a new safe driving campaign in an attempt to help curb a “concerning uptick in the number of felony DUIs across the county.”

“A single impaired driver puts other families at risk and it’s not acceptable,” stated Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer in a press release. “Given the rise we’re seeing, we are very concerned with how many people are getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.”

According to the press release, in 2022 the Pinal County Attorney’s Office charged 243 felony DUI cases. That represents a roughly 75% increase over 2021.

So far this year, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office has charged more than 115 felony DUIs, putting the county on pace to “easily surpass last year’s total,” the release stated.

As a result, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office is launching a new campaign with the motto, “Drive Drunk or High, People Might Die.” The new motto will be featured at various events, on community handouts and will be part of messaging.

“We hope an increased focus on this issue helps people think harder about the decisions they make and decide against getting behind the wheel while impaired, whether it be alcohol, illicit drugs or even prescription medication,” Volkmer said.

Over the past several years, law enforcement has begun issuing more drug DUI citations than alcohol related.

“Please realize just one bad decision could be your last,” Volkmer said. “Or it could kill someone else.”

The Pinal County Attorney’s Office encourages everyone, especially those attending the upcoming Country Thunder music festival in Florence, to designate a sober driver.